LANDSTUHL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, Germany -- As we close out Suicide Prevention Month, I want to remind everyone that, unlike some of the leading causes of death like heart disease, cancer or stoke, we absolutely have the cure for suicide -- you. You can decide to help someone who is feeling suicidal, or you can get help immediately if you are suicidal, depressed or have other mental health concerns.

I will never forget a young man I treated for depression and suicidal ideation many years ago. This extremely intelligent teen was consumed with suicidal thoughts. His ideations about death were dark, detailed and terrifying. Family, friends, and even former therapists seemed to panic when he talked of wanting to kill himself. They spoke to him about the value of life, how suicide was a long-term solution to a short-term problem, how things would get better, and the wrongness of suicide. People were literally debating and pleading with him not to kill himself, especially after he attempted to harm himself.

I chose to listen to him. I encouraged him to talk openly about his suicidal fantasies. Over a few sessions he began to feel genuinely understood. He began to see he was more afraid of change than he was of death. After a couple months, the suicidal thoughts were gone. He found the courage to make dramatic changes in his life.

Several years after his therapy ended he stopped by my office to let me know he recently graduated from college. Excited about his future, he thanked me for not being afraid to listen to him at a time of his deepest emotional suffering. This is the power of caring and really listening.

You too can learn more about how to help others who are feeling suicidal by getting trained. Complete the Ask, Care, Escort training, known as ACE, or do the safeTALK suicide alertness training, or the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training -- these trainings are like Basic Life Support of behavioral health.

And, learn the warning signs of suicide. The American Association of Suicidology has a great mnemonic device for remembering the warning signs of suicide, IS PATH WARM -- Ideation, Substance Abuse, Purposelessness, Anxiety, Trapped, Hopelessness, Withdrawal, Anger, Recklessness and Mood Changes.

Don't be afraid to help someone when they are talking about or making threats of hurting or killing themselves. Intervene. Connect with them, listen and keep them safe. Ninety percent of people who attempt suicide and survive never attempt suicide again.

#Be There. YOU have the cure to suicide

To read more from Dr. Cary Weber, check out his article #BeThere to help those in need during Suicide Prevention Month at https://www.army.mil/article/193623/bethere_to_help_those_in_need_during_suicide_prevention_month

Helpful Resources

• Military Crisis Line, Veterans Crisis Line, and National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: DSN 118, CIV 00800-1273-TALK (8255) in Europe or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) in the U.S. -- Press 1 for the Military or Veterans Crisis Line; chat online at www.militarycrisisline.net; or send a text message to 838255

• Military One Source: 1-800-342-9647, or visit www.militaryonesource.mil

• Real Warriors Live Chat: www.realwarriors.net/livechat

• Defense Center of Excellence: 1-866-984-8523

• Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline: 1-800-984-8523 or OCONUS DSN 312-421-3700

• DOD Dedicated Peer Support and Outreach Center which offers the "Be There Peer Support Line": 844-357-PEER (7337) or text 480-360-6188

• Defense Suicide Prevention Office: www.dspo.mil

• InTransitions: outside the US at 1-800-424-4685; inside the US: 1-800-424-7877; or visit them online at http://intransition.dcoe.mil